Luxury escapes in the Algarve: Albufeira’s top 5-star hotels

The Portuguese resort town of Albufeira is renowned for its year-round sunshine and close proximity to some of the region’s top beaches and championship golf courses.

With so much to offer, it’s hardly surprising that Albufeira remains a top summer destination and you’re guaranteed an amazing sun-filled holiday.

Bearing this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of Albufeira’s top 5-star hotels, all of which boast ocean-views, outdoor swimming pools and luxury amenities– what more could you want?

5-star hotel in Albufeira with six amazing restaurants

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Where?

Nestled along the coastline, São Rafael Atlântico is a 20-minute walk from Albufeira’s Marina and is 10 minutes, by car, to the historic old town.

Rooms?

All of São Rafael Atlântico’s room offer breath-taking views, whether it’s a spectacular beach view or a panoramic vista of the manicured gardens. The Nature Double Rooms are a spacious and light-filled option for both families and couples. The rooms come equipped with air-conditioning, LCD TV, mini-bar and Wi-Fi as standard.

Restaurant?

With six restaurants and bars situated within the resort, guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to evening drinks and al fresco dining. The outdoor Arabian Sea Bar boasts a laid-back atmosphere, with a variety of beanbags as seating options

Beach?

Praia de São Rafael is one of the best beaches in the Algarve and is extremely inviting, with its clear turquoise waters and white sand.

Hotel São Rafael Atlântico

5-star hotel in Albufeira overlooking Santa Eulália Bay

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Where?

This hotel is situated about 2 miles from Albufeira’s historic old town and within walking distance of some of the region’s top beaches.

Rooms?

Visitors have the option of staying in one of the hotel’s sumptuous standard rooms, luxurious suites or in a spacious apartment. The majority of the rooms offer sweeping sea-views and include all the mod-cons and amenities you need, like air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, a fully-stocked mini-bar and satellite TV.

Restaurant?

Guests can choose to dine in one of the hotel’s five on-site restaurants, which offer a range of dining and food options. We highly recommend Real Bar, a terrace bar overlooking the gorgeous Santa Eulália Bay, for evening snacks and sunset glasses of wine.

Beach?

Sun-worshippers are only 850 metres from the beautiful Praia de Santa Eulália and Praia da Balaia (Leste).

Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort & Hotel Spa

5-star hotel in Albufeira with a trendy gin bar

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Where?

This five-star hotel is a hidden gem and is found four miles away from Albufeira beside the Lagoa dos Salgados nature reserve.

Rooms?

The sophisticated Pool View Room is decorated in warm neutral tones and features large sliding doors which open out onto your own private balcony. Guests can also enjoy complimentary amenities such as Wi-Fi, LCD TV, mini-bar and an extremely comfortable bed.

Restaurant?

Fans of sushi, Italian cuisine, seafood and hearty Portuguese fare rejoice, as the Vidamar Resort has all your foodie needs covered. Guests can indulge in any of the eight bars and restaurants found within the resort. Our personal favourite is the Gin Bar – perfect for unwinding with a refreshing G&T.

Beach?

Thanks to the hotel’s beachfront location, guests have easy access to Praia Salgados.

Extras?

The Aquatica Kids Club, water slides, exotic gardens and an elegant spa.

Epic Sana Algarve Hotel

A 5-star hotel with Michelin-star chef in Albufeira

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Where?

This beautiful beachfront hotel is located just three miles outside of Albufeira near the seaside town of Galé.

Rooms?

Bright and airy with impeccable style is how best to describe Villa Joya’s collection of rooms and suites. A Deluxe Terrace Room offers the perfect ambience and setting for a romantic holiday with its pristine ocean-views, comfortable double bed and private terrace.

Restaurant?

Villa Joya’s Head Chef Dieter Koschina is the proud recipient of two Michelin Stars and brings his culinary expertise to the hotel’s gourmet restaurant. Here, diners can enjoy a range of delicious options from guinea fowl stuffed with black truffles and artichokes to roasted goose liver served on broccoli purée with smoked eel.

Beach?

Beach lovers don’t have to travel far to enjoy the waves, as Praia da Galé is on the hotels doorstep.

Extras?

The hotel boasts its own luxury spa and is within easy reach of some of Europe’s top golf courses.

Hotel Vila Joya

A 5-star hotel in Albufeira with a poolside bar

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Where?

One of the more centrally-located hotels in this list, São Rafael Suite is a mile from Albufeira’s town centre and is ideally situated near Praia de Arrifes and Praia da Vigia, two of the Algarve’s top beaches.

Rooms?

Visitors are sure to find the accommodation to suit them and can choose between a Double Room, Deluxe Suite or Deluxe Family Suite. All boast modern designs and include air-conditioning, a flat screen TV with satellite access and a mini-bar.

Restaurant?

The Esplanade Restaurant & Bar’s poolside location ensures it’s a favourite among guests and is the ideal choice for those looking to top up on their tan, while enjoying the delicacies of modern Portuguese cuisine.

Beach?

The hotel is a 10 minute walk from both Praia de Arrifes and Praia da Vigia.